Albany Police warn youths about gun crime punishment

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Teenagers who use guns during crimes will be prosecuted as adults. That warning from Albany Police.

Investigators say they have seen more juveniles using guns in crimes, and suspect that some of the masked armed robbers involved in a series of fast food restaurant armed robberies in recent months could be juveniles.

Police say older teens may be fooling young kids into comitting these violent crimes, saying they will not be punished because they are so young, which Police warn is not true.

Albany Police Lt. Eddie Jones said "They try to sell them of the idea they are going to get a slap on the wrist and sent back home as a juvenile. But unfortunately if they commit these crimes they are going to be charged as an adult, and go out to the Dougherty County jail, just the same as an adult if they committed these same crimes."

Police want to warn young kids to stay away from guns, or be ready to serve hard time. Investigators are still offering reward money for any information on these armed robberies in recent months in Albany.